County Sends Rim Fire Letter

Sonora, CA — The Tuolumne County Supervisors have sent a letter to the USDA asking for a review of the first week of the Rim Fire, and the early suppression efforts.

The letter is specifically addressed to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, as his agency oversees the Forest Service. The letter was sent 5-0. It calls for a multi-agency review of the Rim Fire suppression, which would include input from the County, CAL Fire, Forest Service, and any other entity involved in managing the fire.

District Five Supervisor Karl Rodefer noted at the meeting, “I would really like to see something added that says ‘with special focus on the United States Forest Service response in the initial three days of the fire.’ I’m afraid if we just ask for the first seven days, they’ll ignore the first three days, and focus on 4-7.”

The letter also asks for an independent investigation into the cause of the fire, and asks why no one has been prosecuted to this point.